I was reading this musing by Ross Mayfield about Ryze, which just revised its definition of who “counts” as a friend. This made me think – at the moment you can assert anyone is your friend online with one of these systems. And even if they think of you as more of a passing acquaintance they will probably not deny it. But once there are more consequences from being “declared” a friend of x, these systems might make it more explicit to you who your “real” friends are – the ones who don’t disown your links to them. And that might be a little uncomfortable to find out!

P.S. Apologies for the interrupted service – I have been to Venice with my wife (nice but way to hot!) Further description and pictures may follow…